We’ve all heard the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it’s truer that ever as storms across the country grow in size and ferocity. Storms can carry a variety of hazards with them including wind damage, debris, and jolts to your roof, walls, or foundation, not to mention secondary hazards like flooding. Wind can be one of the bigger surprises that causes storm damage because so many people and […]
hurricane
August 6, 2018
2017 was a bad year for flooding. According to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), during 2017 the United States experienced a historic year for flood and storm events, including 16 separate billion-dollar disaster events including three tropical cyclones, eight severe storms and two inland floods. The potential for flooding has never been higher since 2011’s historic flooding season. This year could be worse. To get ahead of potentially devastating floods, some homeowners are taking robust actions to protect […]
July 23, 2018
A formerly little-known molecule created in labs by scientists could help future buildings withstand even the most ferocious of storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes by making walls that are virtually indestructible, according to new research from a team of British scientists at the University of Exeter. The substance is known to researchers and construction experts as graphene, a combination of the prefix graphite and the suffix -ene, coined by the German scientistwho pioneered it. The product has a wide array of potential applications including […]
July 9, 2018
With the 2018 hurricane season already underway and forecasters predicting a seventy percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms with winds of 40 miles per hour or higher, you can never be too prepared for an active storm season. One step to take is to download some apps and invest in some up-to-date information that can help you stay safe and connected. Here are a few ideas to help you and your family weather the storm. WhatsApp With over […]
June 20, 2016
It’s now hurricane season and we’ve got you covered with the essential hurricane preparedness resources to keep you ahead of the game. 2016 has already proven to be a hurricane-heavy year with Hurricane Alex in January. 2016 will continue to be a less than quiet storm season with an average of six hurricanes expected. And while you might not live in a coastal area, you are still susceptible to hurricane damages. Here’s a checklist […]
June 6, 2016
When preparing for a hurricane, you should always have a disaster plan for your pets. If you do not have a plan for your pets during a major storm, they are at risk of getting lost, hurt, and even killed. Disaster Kit Your pets need to have an emergency kit like the one you’ve made for yourself. Have a pet carrier ready and fully stocked. There should be at least three days’ worth of […]
May 23, 2016
Between the high wind speeds and heavy rains, hurricanes can be destructive and extremely costly. The United States has had its fair share of hurricanes destroy communities and here’s a look at the most notable hurricanes in U.S. history. 1. The Hurricane of Galveston The Great Galveston is considered the worst hurricane of all time in the U.S. in terms of loss of life. An estimated 8,000 people lost their lives on September 8, […]
May 9, 2016
Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. But these storms can occur outside of this date range, as we learned from Hurricane Alex in January 2016. 2016 has been forecasted to be a very hurricane-heavy year. And whether you live in a coastal area or miles inland, you are still at risk to the damages associated with a hurricane and its aftermath. Hurricane Preparedness Week May 15 through May 21, 2016 is Hurricane […]
April 25, 2016
Disclaimer: This blog was written during a power outage. Natural disasters happen. Power outages happen. The U.S. experiences 3,000 power outages per year, affecting at least 41 million people. And while natural disasters are out of your realm of control, you can control the severity of a power outage – to a certain extent. Home generators can keep you plugged in when your power lines are down. So if your power goes out, you […]
February 29, 2016
When it comes to natural disasters, you never want to be left in the dark. Fortunately the technology in our smartphones is more powerful than ever. Now there are advanced weather apps that can track local weather conditions in your area – much more advanced than the weather app built into your smartphone. So if you’re not near a TV or radio, you can still be alerted of any serious weather alerts – as […]